Multiagent system for construction claims negotiation

Negotiation is an important aspect of the construction process. Different negotiation theories and models are available and have been deployed in a variety of situations. In some cases, these have been incorporated into multiagent systems that address. a number of engineering problems. This paper is concerned with the approach adopted in the development of a multiagent system for construction claims negotiation (MASCOT). It reviews the key negotiation theories, outlines the peculiarities of the domain (construction claims negotiation), and discusses the choice of an appropriate negotiation mechanism for MASCOT. Of particular interest is the integration of Zeuthen's bargaining model with a Bayesian learning mechanism, which addresses the characteristics of construction claims negotiation. An example is presented to demonstrate the application of the MASCOT model in a real construction claim case.